A Recap Of 2018's Word Of The Year & My 2019 Choice

Last year I said goodbye to the tradition of setting a list of resolutions in favour of establishing a single word that will encompass the entire year - 2018 saw the word ‘ G R O W T H ‘ come into play. As the year progressed I’ve become a convert of this system as it cultivates a thought process that allows us to show up differently for work and life, I’ve found it much more fulfilling. So here’s a recap of 2018’s word and what I’m taking forward in 2019.

Let me know what word you’re using for your 2019 …

Word Of 2018 : ' G R O W T H ‘

After a not so great year in 2017, I felt that in some places I had unwittingly taken a step back and entered 2018 feeling a little disheartened from a lack of success with my resolutions list. After reading ‘A Whole Hearted Year’ by Jen Carrington and doing more research into the concept of having a 1 word answer for the year, it seemed to make sense and gave me a possible escape against the usual feelings surrounding a yearly checklist. I chose the word ‘ G R O W T H ‘ because I wanted to start building the necessary blocks for the next steps in various life aspects, as I’ve gotten older I’ve come to realise that A. it’s not a race to the finish line and B. I’m very much the tortoise in the race scenario so need to take things a lot slower than some. It gave an excuse to take a deep breath and start again. Thanks to this new system I’ve welcomed in some big goals without the worry of a time limit:

#01 || Gained a new job after unemployment

#02 || Secured another new job, that gives me joy & allows to me to assist in teaching photography

#03 || Constantly working on my mental health

#04 || Indulged in hobbies & outlets for my creativity

#05 || Built foundations for a relationship with minimalism

#06 || Created a face lift for this site & worked on more behind the scenes processes

#07 || Worked with blog coaches to help push the blog further

Word Of 2019 : ‘ V I S I B L I T Y ‘

2018 was an overall odd year but despite that it had a fair few surprising successes, after initially thinking that I would have another year of ‘ G R O W T H ‘ and have another slow and steady plod of a year. What with working hard plus putting more research into various life areas it meant I could be a little more adventurous. This year I’m choosing ‘ V I S I B I L I T Y ‘ as my word, with a very rocky road concerning my professional work life (hopefully) on the back burner it’s time to focus more on more personal matters - including the blog. With this word it’s a chance to show up for myself in various ways which will influence a bit more happiness and confidence, examples include:

#01 || Showing up more online & social media (but in a way that’s meaningful & not intrusive)

#02 || Saying hello to my face & a couple more selfies

#03 || Being more a cheerleader for myself & the blog in general

#04 || Create excuses for more adventures

#05 || Continue my journey with physical & mental health

Good Points To Having A Word For The Year :

#01 || It can apply to more than 1 life aspect

#02 || You won’t get so readily disappointed when your resolutions don’t work out

#03 || The process is more mindful then a simple & concise checklist

#04 || It’s not as restrictive as a resolutions list

#05 || Gives you more breathing space if you haven’t quite thought of your goals for the year